A lesser-known novel from the European canon, The Manuscript Found in Saragossa, has garnered a devoted following among literary enthusiasts. Written over 200 years ago, the book tells the story of a young Walloon officer, Alphonse van Worden, who embarks on a journey through the Sierra Morena to join the Spanish army. During his travels, he encounters a range of supernatural and mystical experiences, including an erotic encounter with two Moorish sisters and a run-in with shape-shifting apparitions. The novel's narrative is also influenced by the Jewish Kabbalistic tradition, as a character attempts to use mystical formulas to control spirits and decipher the universe. The Manuscript Found in Saragossa has been praised for its global humanism, which makes it relevant to contemporary readers. The book's surreal and mysterious nature has captivated authors such as Salman Rushdie and Jerry Garcia, who have contributed to its cult following. A new exhibition is being curated to showcase the novel's significance and enduring appeal.
Culture
Was one of the great novels of the Enlightenment written by a man who thought he was a werewolf?
Prepared with AI assistance; not independently fact-checked. Original source: The Guardian Books